What began as a small local gathering has grown into a powerful support network for men in southeastern Manitoba.
The Southeast Men’s Group, founded just six months ago, has already outgrown its original location and is now preparing to move meetings to Club Jovial in Ste. Anne.
“Our group has just grown and it continues to grow,” says Jeremy Wiens, one of the organizers. “We're getting too big to carry our groups the way we have them.”
New format, new venue
With larger turnouts each month, the group will now break into smaller groups during meetings to ensure everyone has a chance to share. Wiens says Club Jovial has generously offered their space at a reduced rate, helping the group stay accessible.
The next meeting is set for June 17.
Wiens says it is clear that this support group is important to a lot of men.
“Even during a Jets playoff game, we had over 20 guys show up,” Wiens says.
Momentum during men’s mental health week
June is Men’s Mental Health Month in Canada, and Wiens notes Manitoba is the first province to also designate a specific week for men’s mental health — the week following Father’s Day.
A special event is being planned for June 19 in Roseau River at 7 p.m., with several speakers addressing topics including suicide prevention, personal trauma, and available support resources.
“It’s one of the biggest things that we have — when men realize they’re not alone, they seem to be a little bit more empowered,” says Wiens.
Creating space for difficult conversations
Wiens says the group prioritizes relevant speakers and open, respectful dialogue.
“We need to be able to have these conversations so that men can feel empowered,” he says. “Right now, men make up 80 percent of all suicides — it’s not good. But the more we talk, the more we can change that.”